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Items filtered by date: December 2020
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00
Many Types of Ankle Pain
The formal name that is given for pain in front of the ankle is referred to as anterior ankle pain. Patients can develop this type of pain suddenly from an injury, or it may happen gradually from overuse. Pain in this part of the ankle can occur from an inflammation of the tendon sheath. This can cause discomfort while bending the foot up, and the front of the ankle may be swollen and red. A bony growth in the front or back of the ankle can be an ankle impingement. This can cause a limited range of motion and may happen following an ankle sprain that has not fully healed. A proper diagnosis consists of how successfully the ankle is moved by the patient, and then compared to how freely the ankle moves with a podiatrist's help. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please contact this type of doctor who can determine the reason for the pain and offer you the correct treatment options.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00
Various Causes of Ankle Pain
Ankles are joints that connect bones in the feet with bones in the lower leg. They are comprised of bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. The ankle joint allows the foot to move side-to-side, as well as up-and-down.
Ankle pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, but is most commonly due to soft tissue injuries such as ankle sprains and strains.
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of the strong ligaments that support and stabilize the ankle become overly stretched or even torn if the ankle rolls, turns, or twists awkwardly. Depending on the grade of sprain (mild-moderate-severe), there will be varying degrees of pain, swelling, and restricted range of motion, along with tenderness, bruising, and ankle instability. There may even be an audible popping noise at the moment of injury.
Ankle strains can sometimes produce similar symptoms of pain, swelling, and loss of motion, however, they are due to overly stretched muscles and tendons—not ligaments. Ankle strains may also cause muscle cramps in the feet, calves and shins.
Ankle fractures are another common source of ankle pain and occur one or more of the three bones in the ankle become fractured (broken). These breaks can be stress fractures (due to repetitive stress) or traumatic fractures (due to an acute injury). Depending on where and how severe the fracture is, symptoms can include pain and swelling that can sometimes spread up to the knee, bruising or discoloration, and an inability to bear weight. A visible deformity or exposed bone may occur in severe fractures.
Various forms of arthritis may also cause ankle pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes the immune system to attack healthy joints, like the ankle joint, by mistake, causing stiffness and swelling in both ankles. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage covering the ends of bones wears down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This results in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the ankle. Gout is a form of arthritis where excess amounts of uric acid in the bloodstream crystallize and build up on joints, causing severe pain and swelling. Reactive arthritis causes joint pain and swelling in the ankle in response to an infection in another part of the body.
Other forms of ankle pain include bursitis (an inflammation of a cushioning bursa sac between tendons and bone), scleroderma (a thickening of connective tissues), chronic ankle instability (caused by improperly healed ankle sprains), Achilles tendon injuries, flat feet, or an infection in the ankle.
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00
Ankle Sprains and Jumping Rope
Jumping rope is one of the most common and popular forms of exercise among young children. Many adults also partake in jumping rope as an easy way to burn calories. However, sometimes engaging in this activity can put someone at an increased risk of developing certain foot injuries. For example, jumping rope without proper form can increase one’s risk of developing an ankle sprain. Commonly, even the most experienced rope jumpers will land awkwardly or dangerously while jumping rope. Sometimes when an individual lands incorrectly, the ankle ligaments can become stressed or even torn. This is what can ultimately contribute to ankle injuries such as ankle sprains. As a result, the ankle may even demonstrate some swelling or cause the person pain. Whenever you think that you might have sprained your ankle, it is always best to err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assist you.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00
Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ankle ligament gets overly stretched. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that bind and support the bones and other structures that make up the ankle. In more severe ankle sprains, the ligament(s) tear—either partially or completely—and there may be an audible popping noise at the moment of injury.
Ankle sprains are quite common and can occur when the ankle rolls outwardly (eversion) or inwardly (inversion), causing the ligament(s) to stretch beyond normal limits, or even tear. Falls, twists, or blows to the ankle during sports or other activities can cause this injury, as well as wearing improper footwear, running on uneven surfaces, or having weak ankles.
Depending on the injury’s severity, an ankle sprain will be classified as Grade I, Grade II, or Grade III. Grade I sprains involve ligament(s) being overly stretched but not torn, with symptoms of mild pain, swelling, and ankle instability. There may also be some difficulty bearing weight. A Grade II sprain usually involves a partial tear of the ligament which brings more intensity in these symptoms, along with possible bruising. With a Grade III sprain, the ligament is completely torn, the symptoms are severe, and it may not be possible to put weight on the affected foot at all.
To diagnose and grade an ankle sprain, a podiatrist will perform a physical examination, checking for tenderness and range of motion in the ankle. For more severe sprains, X-rays or other imaging studies may be necessary.
It is vitally important to have an ankle sprain treated properly as improper healing often leads to future ankle sprains and possibly even chronic ankle stability. Treatment for an ankle sprain will vary, depending on its severity, and may include the RICE method (Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation), physical therapy, bracing, medications, and possibly even surgery to repair a torn ligament. Rehabilitation is very important for the sprain to heal properly and to restore functionality.
Thursday, 05 January 2023 00:00
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00
Active Children and Foot Pain
The chances may increase for a foot injury to occur in children who participate in sports activities. These types of injuries can involve the ligaments, bones, and tendons. Fractures and sprains also fall into this category. There are two classifications of foot injuries that can develop, consisting of acute or chronic. Acute injuries consist of contusions, or bruises, fractures, and sprains. Chronic injuries can include stress fractures and tendonitis, and generally happen gradually from overuse. Parents may see symptoms in their children in the form of limping or difficulty walking. At this point, a proper diagnosis is necessary to have, which can determine what type of injury it is. Many times an X-ray or MRI is performed, and this can precede what type of treatment is needed for a complete recovery. If your child has foot pain, it is strongly urged that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward helping your child find relief.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00
How to Keep Your Feet Fit
The feet take us wherever we want to go, all day, every day. But the feet are often neglected when it comes to caring for them. For many people, getting a pedicure is the extent of their foot care routine. However, if your feet are not also strong and healthy, the rest of your body can pay the price. A foot problem or disorder may affect the way you walk and that may cause pain in your knees, hip, back, and neck. Furthermore, other conditions may develop in the feet, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. Painful feet may cause you to avoid movement and exercise, which reduces the strength of the feet, and increases the risk of falling. One of the best ways to take care of your feet is by wearing shoes that provide the correct balance of flexibility and support. Shoes that are too stiff may put the ankles at risk. Another way to practice foot fitness is by doing simple strength and mobility exercises on a regular basis. Among these are toe lifts, rolling your foot over a ball, and scrunching a towel or blanket with the toes. For more information on how to best take care of your feet, please consult a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00
Everyday Foot Care
Our feet are arguably one of the most important parts of the body. When it comes to health and beauty routines, the feet and toenails are usually ignored. You should always practice proper footcare to avoid any fungal infections or ailments that can not only ruin the appearance of your feet, but also cause pain. Ignoring any foot problems could potentially lead to an expensive doctor’s visit.
The most important step in proper foot care is to wash your feet daily. You should wash them with soap and water. Doing this will cleanse your feet of dirt, sweat and bacteria. It is crucial that you clean between the toes and pat your feet dry with a towel afterward. Your toenails are also an important part of the feet and you may find that they get dirtier in the summer when you wear sandals. It is important that you practice proper toenail care in addition to cleaning the rest of your feet. When trimming your nails, you should always trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. Trimming in a curved shape may lead to ingrown toenails.
Moisturization is also important for foot care, and you should be moisturizing your feet every day. The best way to prevent dry feet is to rub lotion or petroleum jelly on your clean feet at night and put socks over them. In the morning, your feet should be soft and moisturized.
Another crucial step in proper foot care is to wear the right shoes for whichever activity you are going to partake in. In warmer weather, you should wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe. It is best to avoid shoes such as flip-fops that do not provide arch support. Tight shoes may also be harmful, and they may even cause you to develop bunions.
If you plan on taking a shower in a public area, you should be especially careful, so you do not pick up any fungi. Showers are prone to harboring different types of bacteria and fungi. You should always wear shower shoes or flip flops when walking around in locker rooms and public showers. Avoid sharing shoes with other people because this is another way that fungus may be spread.
If you are experiencing any problems with your feet you should speak with your podiatrist to determine the best method of treatment for you.
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00
How Common Are Swollen Feet During Pregnancy?
Many pregnant women notice their growing fetus produces several changes to the body. The feet are often affected, and can become swollen as the pregnancy progresses. It is considered to be an uncomfortable but normal part of pregnancy, and some women may need to buy larger shoes during this time. Swollen feet during pregnancy can happen as a result of extra pressure that is put on the blood vessels, which carry the blood from the legs to the heart. Fluid retention can happen from this, and the medical term for this is known as edema. Additionally, the feet may become larger from the hormone relaxin, which is responsible for loosening the ligaments in the feet. There are effective methods that can help to manage swollen feet during this time. These can consist of drinking plenty of water, limiting sodium intake, and frequently elevating the feet. Additionally, it may help to refrain from crossing the legs, and wearing support stockings may help to limit fluid retention. If you have concerns about how pregnancy can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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